Seeing the Grand Canyon doesn't have to break the bank. If you choose to take a tour bus, it's quite affordable. From Las Vegas, for example, trips to the South Rim can run from $80 to $180 per person. Is there a reason for such a price discrepancy? No. It all depends where you book online.

Las Vegas is home to a host of quality tour bus operators. For the most part, the experience is the same. Buses are modern. Drivers are courteous and knowledgeable. The on-board food is good. The Grand Canyon...that goes without saying.

It all really boils down to price. Why do some tour companies price their trips for $180? Because they can. Believe it or not, a lot of people buy at that rate. Don't be one of them. Do your homework.

To help you get the best all-inclusive deal, here are a few things you need to consider:

1. Is there a fuel charge? This is a "hidden" cost that was tacked on the price of oil surged earlier this year. Fuel prices have since dropped. It would make sense if the charges were dropped. Think again.

2. Does it cost anything to access Grand Canyon National Park? Believe it or not, some operators will add this cost into the price of your tour, either upfront or at the park!

3. Is there a terminal check-in fees? Known as a surcharge, it's added at the check-in terminal where you get on the bus. This is a red flag. The good tours pick you up and drop you off at your hotel free of charge.

4. Is there a trip cancellation fee? You have to really hunt down operators and tour brokers who won't slap you with this one. But they exist. The rule of thumb is to ask. If they do, reconsider your number two choice.

5. Is there an extra cost for meals? Expect to get a pre-packed breakfast and lunch.

6. How long will the bus stop at the South Rim? The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 18 miles across. An hour or two off bus is insufficient to take in the Seventh Wonder of the World. In this case, the longer the better.

There are plenty of tour bus operators in Las Vegas. I suggest you shop around. But keep this in mind: The tour operators themselves, not brokers, travel agents, or hotel concierges offer the best deals. By purchasing directly from the tour operator, you save money.

Tour companies are committed to ensuring your trip is awesome. They are the ones who own the buses, pay the drivers, and hire the customer-service staff. Your happiness lets them continue to operate as a business. Brokers don't have that level of commitment. Their job is simply to fill seats at whatever price they can get.

The Grand Canyon bus tour makes for a great Las Vegas day trip. It's also the most economical way to get there. Getting the right price requires a little homework. Go ahead and check out other tour retail sites. I'm confident that in the end you'll discover that tour operators will have the lowest price. Plus, you get the piece of mind that comes with booking direct from the source. Now, with tickets in hand, climb aboard your luxury bus and prepare to be amazed by this incredible natural wonder.